Having just returned from a “most charming” visit to the camp of the Tennessee and Mississippi regiments, stationed at Union City, I thought it would be agreeable to you to receive a brief outline description of the trip.
Indeed, I never felt for forcibly than this morning the truth of that old Bible adage, “From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
A few days ago a small party of Kentuckians paid the troops a complimentary visit, to extend them, at least, the hospitalities of their hearts and hands. When they left, a general invitation was given, to “ladies particularly,” to return at a designated day, and preparations should be made for a better entertainment. The day appointed was yesterday, 11th of June. A large number of ladies and gentlemen accepted the invitation, and repaired accordingly to the different stations along the road. A right “merrie companie” were we on that bright June morning, as we assembled in the cars and exchanged warm greetings of long attached friendships.
Nature had arisen early and selected the “most glorious green” of her wardrobe as if for the very occasion; but the laugh of this glorious mouth had not the joyous rolicsome tone of “dear lang sine;” the dimples in her full, rosy, cheeks had sobered to a matronly smile; and the “fun-light” which in other days sparkled so merrily from her eyes of “heavenly blue” had faded out:--Me thought there were tears in them—it may be they were in my own. I looked again, and lo!—with eyes streaming with tears—upturned to heaven—“Jane” was on her bended knees, praying for “July.”
But I must not waste any more paper or wear out my pen in preliminaries, for it may be, that in the hereafter, Southern ladies will have to do their writing with “thorns,” for pens and “holly leaves” for parchment. Wouldn’t that be primitive? What an “Eden” it would be! speaks the heart of every Southern woman, if we only have left us our brave husbands, noble brothers, and chivalrous sweethearts to write to.
But those regiments! We visited the Tennessee troops first, and found them generous enough to give us a kindly welcome, although we were from a State still belonging to Mr. Lincoln’s Administration. We were introduced to the principal officers, whom we found polite and obliging, answering with the utmost urbanity all our simple inquiries about “camp life.”
Among the Tennessee troops we found a little band of patriots from Kentucky, Capt. Lauderdale’s company, and upon their banner we found no such motto as “armed neutrality.”
When we approached the camp of the Mississippi regiment, “we heard a sound of revelry,” but not by night—
Kentucky’s beauty and Mississippi’s chivalry had
Gathered there, and the “bright sunlight
Shone on fair women and brave men;”
“A thousand hearts beat happily.”
Never was vision greeted with a picture more beautiful. The white tents dotted the green earth, while the balmy breeze fluttered bright pennons, which floated in the sparkling sunlight; tall trees lifted their long arms unfurled to the sky, and beneath them, under the shadow of broad green wings,
“The bright and happy dancers meet
With laughing lips and winged feet.”
We did not visit the 13th regiment, simply because we found the 12th so distinguished for genuine, high-bred politeness, so captivating in manners, so agreeable in conversation, it was impossible to tear ourselves away.
Time hurried on like a resistless, unremitting stream, until the long shadows began to remind some of us, at least, that we had happy homes, and in them
“Bright eyes to mark our coming
And look brighter when we come.”
A splendid repast was prepared, with all the delicacies, ice cream included, which confectioners know so well how to prepare. Nor should I forget to mention that the hearty, laughing, jolly dimensioned “Commissariat” made up one of the most agreeable features of this part of the picture.
About five o’clock we witnessed the splendid sight of a dress parade. The light elastic tread, and dignified, chivalrous bearing proclaimed each one a high bred gentleman. Had we not seen them in the ranks we should never have doubted but that every private was an officer.
A few short speeches from the officers, mostly made up of compliments to the ladies and assurances of “entire readiness to defend their country with the last drop of blood,” closed the day’s programme of never-to-be-forgotten enjoyments.
The deepening shadows of the long twilight again reminded us of home, and as the cars approached we waved our “good bye,” and fervently prayed God that victory might perch upon every banner set up in defense of Southern Rights.